Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland, set on the east coast of the island of Ireland in Europe. It is also known by its Irish name, Baile Átha Cliath, which you will see on signs and in some official use alongside the English name.
The city is best known for three things that visitors tend to notice first: its literary heritage, its Georgian architecture, and its pub culture. A visit suits anyone who enjoys walking through a city at an unhurried pace, reading the streets as well as the sights, and spending an evening in conversation over a drink.
What a visit offers
- Literary heritage: Dublin's connection to its writers is part of everyday life in the city, and it shapes much of what there is to see and read here.
- Georgian architecture: Many of the city's streets and squares carry the proportions and facades of its Georgian past, best enjoyed on foot.
- Pub culture: Pubs are a central social space in Dublin, and a relaxed evening in one is a natural part of the experience.
Because Dublin is a capital and its largest city, it also offers the range of services and neighbourhoods you would expect from a major European destination. Many of its main attractions sit within walking distance of one another, which makes the city easy to explore on foot.
Planning your trip
Check the details of any particular museum, venue or tour before you go, as opening arrangements and access can change. Dublin rewards a few unhurried days, giving time to wander between its squares, its literary sites and its pubs.
